The strong winds of the 'Oriana' storm leave a tumultuous sea image in the Navacerrada reservoir, in Madrid
Storm 'Oriana' brought strong winds and coastal disturbances to Madrid, resulting in significant winds and the closure of public spaces and parks.
Storm 'Oriana' has impacted the Spanish peninsula with strong winds reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour, causing damage and disruptions across various regions. In particular, Catalonia reported the unfortunate death of a 46-year-old woman as a result of the storm's impact, alongside injuries to 85 other people. Given the severity of the weather, many public spaces, ports, and educational institutions were forced to close across the affected areas.
In Madrid, while the strong winds created striking visuals of turbulent waters in the Navacerrada reservoir, the city largely escaped significant damage. High winds contributed to the aesthetic display of large waves at the reservoir, although safety measures such as the controlled release of water were enacted to manage flooding risks. Currently, the reservoir operates at 83% capacity and discharges one cubic meter of water per second into the Navacerrada River.
The storm's aftermath is a reminder of the fluctuating weather conditions faced by regions in Spain, as well as the need for preparedness for extreme weather events moving forward. As officials assess the storm’s damage, the impact on the local community and infrastructure will likely lead to discussions on future preventative measures against similar storms.